System for dispensing cut lengths of a strip of paper contained in a box that dispenses individual cut lengths

ABSTRACT

A dispensing system for dispensing cut lengths of a strip of paper includes a box configured to contain the cut lengths of a strip of paper. The box is made of semi-rigid material that dispenses individual cut lengths through a dispensing slot, the cut lengths of a strip of paper being made up of cut lengths held together by joins, and the dispensing slot being narrower in width than a width of the strip of paper. The box includes a guide means for guiding the strip of paper, the guide means being formed of two wall elements forming a narrow space through which the strip of paper is guided and held in contact with as far as the dispensing slot, the narrow space being formed by folding a panel of the box about a fold line in which the dispensing slot is formed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of sanitary and domesticpapers.

Paper intended for these uses comes in a number of forms: a continuousstrip precut to form a succession of individual cut lengths heldtogether by joins which yield easily when pulled, or a continuous stripwithout any precuts, that is torn to the desired length, it beingpossible for the strip to be wound on itself or onto a core to form aroll, or it being possible for the strip to be concertina-folded, eachpanel forming one cut length, as individual cut lengths stacked one ontop of the next to form a pile.

In order to make products in the form of a continuous strip precut intocut lengths attached to one another by joins practical to use, and alsowith a view to preserving hygiene, they are packaged in a wrapper whichmay be rigid, with an opening for dispensing the paper one sheet at atime.

The problem is that of actually fulfilling these two functions. It isdesirable that pulling the first sheet available through the openingshould release just one sheet at a time and not cause the entire stripof paper to be pulled out. In order to achieve that, it is necessary forthe joins connecting the first sheet to the next to yield as a matter ofpriority. It must not be necessary to use both hands in order toseparate the sheets because, firstly, to do so is impractical and,secondly, the paper not extracted from the wrapper has not to be touchedas touching it would not be hygienic. There is the possibility offorming a cutting means at the edge of the opening, but it can then notbe certain that the strip will be cut at the joins and that cutting willnot be a clean cut.

There are numerous embodiments already in existence in an attempt toimprove the dispensing of products.

For example, there is the solution described in patent application WO0141613. The system for dispensing the products of a perforated strip ofmaterial comprises a dispensing slot the edges of which are separated bythe thickness of the sheet so as not to slow it down. The sheets areheld together by joins extending over one third of the width of thestrip, the other two thirds being cut. Thus, flaps are formed that arecapable of flapping on either side of the plane of the strip. When thestrip of paper is pulled through the slot, the flaps are folded againstthe plane of the strip. The strip is slowed as this double-thicknesspart enters the slot. The slot is narrow enough in the thicknessdirection to impede the passage of two thicknesses of sheet. The pullingforces therefore cause the strip to tear at the line of joins. Accordingto one of the embodiments depicted in FIG. 2C of WO 0141613, thedispensing opening is circular, the resistance to movement beingproduced by the folds formed in the direction of pulling as the strippasses through the opening. This solution, which is effective in termsof the separation of the sheets as they pass through the dispensingopening, is incapable of holding the free end of the strip in theopening. The free end therefore has a tendency to fall back down intothe box. Another solution which consists in forming a wider opening inthe middle so that fingers can pass through this opening is notconsidered satisfactory.

The applicant has set itself the objective of producing a dispensingsystem which is both effective in separating the sheets as they passthrough the dispensing opening and which allows the free edge of thestrip remaining in the box to be held available for extracting the nextcut length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention includes a system for dispensing cutlengths of a strip of paper, such as sanitary and domestic papers,contained in a box made of a semi-rigid material such as cardboard andthat dispenses individual cut lengths through a dispensing slot, thestrip of paper being made up of cut lengths held together by joins,wherein the dispensing slot is narrower in width than the width of thestrip, the box includes a guide means for guiding the strip, this guidemeans being formed of two wall elements forming a narrow space throughwhich the strip is guided and held with contact as far as the dispensingslot, and being formed by folding a panel about a fold line in which thedispensing slot is formed.

According to a number of alternative forms of embodiments of theinvention: the joins between two cut lengths are arranged on a firstpart and on a second part of the width of the strip in such a way thatthe resistance to pulling is lower on the second part than on the firstpart thus forming, on the second part, a separation initiator at whichthe cut lengths are encouraged to separate; the joins have, on the firstpart, a first spacing between two adjacent joins and, on the secondpart, a second spacing between two adjacent joins, the two spacingsbeing different from one another, the joins are preferably all of thesame width; the second spacing is equal to the width of the second part;the first part extends from one edge of the strip; the first partextends between one quarter and three quarters of the width of thestrip; and/or the first part extends over a central part of the strip,leaving, on each side, two second parts that form separation initiators.

In an embodiment, the invention applies to a strip in the form of a rollor alternatively one that is concertina-folded.

In an embodiment, the two wall elements are arranged in such a way as toguide the strip which is to be dispensed in the form of cut lengths overat least 10% of the length of a cut length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages will become apparent from thedescription which follows with reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a roll made up of cut lengths,

FIG. 2 shows a strip folded in a zigzag configuration,

FIG. 3 shows an example of a connection between two consecutive cutlengths of the strip,

FIG. 4 shows another example of a connection between two consecutive cutlengths of the strip,

FIGS. 5 to 8 show a box which, together with the strip, forms thedispensing system in accordance with embodiments of the invention,

FIG. 9 shows an alternative form of the dispensing system in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 10 shows a cardboard box of the system according to an embodimentof the invention, folded out flat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention relates to paper products which are inthe form either of rolls 1, FIG. 1, or in the form of a strip 3 foldedinto a zigzag or concertina configuration, FIG. 2, which is aimedparticularly though not exclusively at sanitary and domestic papers:bathroom tissue, kitchen towels, facial tissues, towels, etc. For theseuses the paper is made of tissue, which is an absorbent low-grammagepaper with one or more superposed plies. The plies may or may not bejoined together. Likewise, they may or may not be embossed in order asappropriate to confer softness and bulk upon them. In an embodiment, thestrip is precut in the direction of its length at regular intervals intosuccessive cut lengths, generally all of the same size. The precut, bymeans of a blade forming a knife that is toothed, extends transverselyto the longitudinal direction of the strip, from one edge to the other.The precut line is generally straight and comprises an alternation ofjoins and cuts, generally rectangular. The width of the joins and of thecuts can vary. The joins are strong enough that a modest pull on a cutlength does not tear them.

FIG. 3 shows a first form of cut according to an embodiment of theinvention.

The two cut lengths 2 a and 2 b are held together by joins T on a firstpart P1 of the dividing line separating the two cut lengths 2 a and 2 b.This first part extends to the middle of the line over a distance heresubstantially equal to half the width of the strip. On each side of thisfirst part, the dividing line is cut to form the two second parts P2 andP′2. Each second part extends from one edge of the strip of paper.

More generally, a distinction is made between a part P1 and a part P2and/or P′2 the joins of which are arranged in such a way that theresistance to pulling is lower in the second part than in the firstpart, thus forming on the said second part a separation initiator alongwhich the cut lengths are encouraged to separate.

For example, the difference in resistance to pulling may be obtained bythe spacing between the joins, the joins all for example being of thesame width. Thus, with the joins spaced apart, a distinction is madebetween a first spacing E1 between two adjacent joins and a secondspacing E2 between two other adjacent joins. The two spacings differbetween the first part P1 and the second part P2 and/or P′2.

These spacings E1 and E2 are arranged according to the resistance topulling that is to be achieved.

In the case of the example of FIG. 3, the spacing E2 corresponds to thecut of the parts P2 and P′2.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative form with a cut P20 on just one side of thefirst part P10 formed of joins T.

More generally, the difference in resistance to pulling can be obtainedvia the spacing between the joins and/or via the width of the joins.

The box 10 of the dispensing system according to an embodiment of theinvention, which box is depicted in FIG. 5, is cubic in shape with adispensing system on one face which may be the top face. This comprisestwo panels 11 and 12 positioned against one another and standing up froma face, in this instance the top face 10s of the box. The space betweenthe two panels is open on one side 111 to the inside of the box. Theopposite edge 112 is open in just a central part 112 a. On each side ofthis opening 112 a, the panels meet in a closed edge 112 b, 112 c. Thewidth of the panels 11 and 12 is the same as that of the strip 1.

In FIG. 5, a cut length 2 a (see circle-A) of a strip 1 has entered theopening 112 a. In FIG. 6, the cut length 2 a (circle-A) has started tobe pulled upwards; the cut length deforms and passes through the opening112 a.

When the cut length 2 a has been pulled, the dividing line separating itfrom the next cut length 2 b (see circle-B) in its turn enters theopening 112 a. FIG. 7 shows that the line P1 formed of the joins T islevel with the edge (top ridge line between panels 11 and 12) of theopening 112 a. The second parts of the dividing line P2 and P′2 areslowed by the closed edges 112 b and 112 c. The stoppage of the secondparts against the closed edges can be seen in detail depicted in FIG. 7a. If the cut length 2 a continues to be pulled, the line of joins Ttears, releasing this length, as can be seen in FIG. 8.

By virtue of the guide lines from the two panels and the friction, thecut length 2 b is held by these panels. It does not drop back into thebox. It is ready and in place to be extracted in its own turn. In otherwords, the cutting of a cut length 2 a occurs at the dispensing slot 112a when the next cut length 2 b is positioned in the guide means 11, 12.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative form with an opening 212 a on one side andjust one closed edge 212 b; it works in the same way as discussed abovein relation to FIGS. 5-8.

FIG. 10 shows a box of the dispensing system in accordance with anembodiment of the invention, folded out flat. We find the two panels 11and 12 cut to form an opening 112 a, the two panels being connected oneach side of the opening 112 a via a line 112 b and 112 c. The width ofthe panels is that of the box. In an embodiment, the fold height of thetwo panels is substantially equal to half the length of a cut length ofa strip of paper which is guided and held between the two panels. Inanother embodiment, and more generally, the height is at least equal to10% of the length of the cut length of a strip of paper.

The box is for example made of cardboard, but any other material wouldsuit; the box material may be flexible. The panels are rigid orsemi-rigid so as to be able to guide and hold the sheets of paper.

1. A dispensing system for dispensing cut lengths of a strip of paper,the system comprising: a box configured to contain the cut lengths of astrip of paper, the box being made of semi-rigid material that dispensesindividual cut lengths through a dispensing slot, the cut lengths of astrip of paper being made up of cut lengths held together by joins;wherein the dispensing slot is narrower in width than a width of thestrip of paper; wherein the box comprises a guide means for guiding thestrip of paper, the guide means being formed of two wall elementsforming a narrow space through which the strip of paper is guided andheld in contact with as far as the dispensing slot, the narrow spacebeing formed by folding a panel of the box about a fold line in whichthe dispensing slot is formed.
 2. The dispensing system according toclaim 1, wherein the joins between two adjacent cut lengths are arrangedon a first part and on a second part across the width of the strip ofpaper in such a way that resistance to pulling apart the two adjacentcut lengths is lower on the second part than on the first part, thusforming on the second part a separation initiator at which the cutlengths are encouraged to separate.
 3. The dispensing system accordingto claim 2 in which the joins have, on the first part, a first spacingbetween two adjacent joins and, on the second part, a second spacingbetween two adjacent joins, the first and second spacings beingdifferent from one another.
 4. The dispensing system according to claim3 in which the second spacing is equal to the width of the second part.5. The dispensing system according to claim 2 in which the first partextends between one quarter and three quarters of the width of the stripof paper.
 6. The dispensing system according to claim 2 in which thefirst part extends over a central part of the strip of paper, leaving asecond part on one side of the first part, and a third part on the otherside of the first part.
 7. The dispensing system according to claim 1,wherein the strip of paper is in the form of a roll.
 8. The dispensingsystem according to claim 1, wherein the strip of paper isconcertina-folded.
 9. The dispensing system according to claim 1,wherein the two wall elements are arranged in such a way as to guide thestrip of paper, which is to be dispensed in the form of cut lengths,over at least 10% of the length of a cut length.